Modern Watches with Record Battery Life

We’re the first to admit our addiction to well-crafted luxury watches. It’s our guilty pleasure and together we’ve probably poured one too many paychecks to expand our collections.

After all, as Ian Fleming once said, “a gentleman’s timepiece says as much about him as a Savile Row suit.”

In 2018, we’re more technologically inclined and environmentally conscious than ever before. And despite our self-proclaimed affinity for a classic Rolex, we’ve been eagerly waiting for the day when watch designers to push the boundaries and cater to our modern lives. The re-invention of eco friendly solar powered watches is the perfect example.

Don’t worry: We’re not talking about those awkward and ugly solar strips plastered across your favorite accessory. The technology, first used in the 1960’s, now hides the solar cells beneath the dial so that the solar powered watch looks like any other.

Many of us also harbor doubts over the reliability of an eco-watch. In the beginning, we couldn’t fathom how the watch could work after sustained periods in the dark or on a dull day. The truth is that a good solar watch will have a battery reserve of an incredible 6 months (as opposed to an average of 50 hours for automatic watches), and charging it requires minimal light exposure.

So if you’re like many of us this year interested in investing in renewable products, or simply enjoy cool advancements in technology – check out our guide to the best solar watches available in March, 2019:

Overview

This mesmerizing watch from Japanese purveyors Seiko exudes cool masculinity.

As we slip the sculpted stainless steel bracelet around on our wrist, we feel like we’re putting on a power suit.

What We Like

The is a substantial watch but the double click safety mechanism ensures that it stays perfectly in place. The analog display with Japanese quartz is lit up beautifully, and easily legible even in the dark. There is a trio of sub-dials making sure that this watch is always on point.

As if it couldn’t get any better, this solar watch is an excellent choice for anyone who’s into outdoor sports, from golf to adrenaline inducing diving – and it’s water resistant up to 200 meters.

What Needs Improving

This is a real heavy duty watch so if you’re looking for something very slight, it may not be for you.

9.9Expert Score

The Final Verdict

I was surprised to find such a premium model on Amazon, the prices are GREAT right now. If you're due a new timepiece or know someone who's birthday is coming up, this will make their jaw drop.

Overview

Casio are championed for making super hard-wearing watches fit for extreme conditions. This flagship solar/sport watch is no exception.

What We Like

Set in a midnight black ribbed bracelet, this classic design will never go out of style. But the real kicker is the luminous display. Lit up by LED lights, the neo-brite hands make this watch equally as appropriate in an office job downtown as on a construction site.

The high-tech features don’t end there. There is a world clock, multi-lingual day of the week (English, Spanish, Portuguese…) On top you get water resistance, 5 daily alarms, an hourly signal, 1/100 second stopwatch – to name a few. Finally, since this is a solar watch, the battery life is around 10 months. Not bad, not bad at all.

What Needs Improving

One minor drawback is that this watch doesn’t illuminate as brightly as some of it’s counterparts. It still works well in minimal lighting and you shouldn’t have to strain your eyes.

9.5Expert Score

The Final Verdict

Casio have outdone themselves again. There's nothing missing from this tech-driven, no nonsense, watch. My guess is that you'll be loving this one for years.

Overview

This shock-resistant, powerful solar powered watch from Casio is a showstopper.

What We Like

Equipped with an analog display, this wrist watch has luminous markers with a full LED backlight (afterglow). As you might have guessed from looking at it, it’s Triple G protected and waterproof, making this the only choice if you love extreme sports or have a very physical job. It also includes a 1/100 second stopwatch so you won’t have to pull out your phone to time yourself!

There is also a battery power indicator and power-saving function, which comes in handy if you rely on your watch. (But of course, with solar watches you already have the benefit of a 6-month reserve!)

What we love about the Casio is that the strap is extremely comfortable, which means that it fits nicely on almost any size of wrist. The shock resistance puts our minds at ease as we rarely remove our watches and often forget to be cautious – especially while running after little kids!

What Needs Improving

The only drawback is that it doesn’t come with a built-in light. We found this surprising and it’s a great shame, as otherwise we’d give the Casio a 10/10. The LED display does illuminate in the dark, but for those of us whose eyes are a little worn, it’s not as bright as it could be.

9.0Expert Score

The Final Verdict

In every other way, this is a fantastic and sturdy watch that will last you a lifetime. And if you’re a frequent traveler, it packs the added bonus of working across 29 different time zones around the world.

Overview

This elegant and feminine solar watch is a beauty to behold.

In a world where many solar watches look like they’re designed for extreme sports, this delicate watch decorated with Swarovski is so pretty that it could pass for jewellery. It proves that watches for women can look as beautiful as they are practical.

What We Like

While this watch will garner plenty of admirers, it’s so much more than an accessory. We had it out in sunlight for one afternoon, and in all seriousness, the battery charge lasted almost a year. The dial is beautifully presented, with a protected window to prevent cracks and scratches. And you wouldn’t think it, but as with other solar watches, it’s water resistant up to 99 feet (30M).

What Needs Improving

Some care should be taken to look after the crystals, but even they can be easily replaced.

9.8Expert Score

The Final Verdict

This shimmering watch makes a perfect gift for yourself or a special woman in your life. In terms of quality, this watch is among the best. In terms of ladies watches, it's a modern keepsake.

Overview

Finally, our prize for best affordable solar watch goes to…the Fanmis. This super economical solar powered watch is ideal if you’re looking for good quality, cheap watches for men and women.

What We Like

It comes with a battery as well as a solar panel. If there isn’t enough sunlight to power the watch, it will automatically revert to the normal battery, saving you the hassle. There is a useful two-way display, digital and analog, that allows you to display two different timezones. Other perks include a stop watch, snooze alarm, and backlight for night time. Lastly, as it’s designed with sports in mind, it’s also waterproof – so you can splash without a care in the world.

What Needs Improving

Since it’s one of the more affordable models, the solar function is limited to the solar strip that may need back up from the traditional in-built battery. However, this is a blessing rather than a curse – as the chances of you ever running out of charge, are next to none!

8.7Expert Score

The Final Verdict

For less than the price of your weekly grocery shop, you can't go wrong with this cheap and cheerful watch. It simply does what it says on the tin, and works perfectly fine even in heavy use. Worth every cent.

About The Gadget Nerds

We’re a small bunch of tech-savvy geeks in our late 20’s and early 30’s. Our passion for the tech industry led to the creation of The Gadget Nerds, where we have the honor of reviewing some of the best must-have gadgets that you can pick up on Amazon.

We remain dedicated in our mission to review the best tech products, taking the time and hassle away from you as a buyer. Our approach is to be thorough and impartial, and ultimately let you be the judge.

If you have any suggestions or queries or indeed if you've spotted something, then feel free to always drop us an email or catch us on our live chat.